The Brown Twins

January 11, 2013 9:25 AM

Photo: Mike Kepka/The Chronicle

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Parked in their usual window seat at Uncle Vito's, just below the crest of Nob Hill, the twins are barely through their first glass of merlot in this photo from Sept., 22, 2008. One welcomes an adoring tourist from Phoenix while the other laughs encouragement into the ear of a businessman dining by himself. Marian and Vivian Brown are the twins famous for bringing San Francisco's quirky spirit to the world, via numerous TV and billboard appearances. Don't ask their age, as they'll politely tell you it's none of your business -- though Vivian does admit she's 8 minutes older, saying this if only to remind Marian who's in charge. They argue this for a bit then break into one of their signature tunes ("San Francisco, open your golden gate...") and all is forgotten.

Parked in their usual window seat at Uncle Vito's, just below the crest of Nob Hill, the twins are barely through their first glass of merlot in this photo from Sept., 22, 2008. One welcomes an adoring tourist

Vivian, left, and Marian Brown, identical twins, shake a leg in front of the Transamerica building. Although they were born and raised in Michigan, the Browns have become icons of San Francisco--they took second place in 2000 as the city's "Best Local Character." less

Vivian, left, and Marian Brown, identical twins, shake a leg in front of the Transamerica building. Although they were born and raised in Michigan, the Browns have become icons of San Francisco--they took ... more

Sept. 22, 2008 7:12 p.m.: The Brown twins, Marian and Vivian, hob knob with tourist during dinner at Uncle Vito's pizza parlor. --- the City Exposed The Twins A recent Monday 7:12 p.m.: Parked in their usual window seat at Uncle Vito's, just below the crest of Nob Hill, the twins are barely through their first glass of merlot. One welcomes an adoring tourist from Phoenix while the other laughs encouragement into the ear of a businessman dining by himself. Marian and Vivian Brown are the twins famous for bringing San Francisco's quirky spirit to the world, via numerous TV and billboard appearances. Don't ask their age, as they'll politely tell you it's none of your business -- though Vivian does admit she's 8 minutes older, saying this if only to remind Marian who's in charge. They argue this for a bit then break into one of their signature tunes I left my heart in San Francisco...and all is forgotten.

The San Francisco Twins, Marian and Vivian Brown pose for a quick picture during their weekly pizza night at Uncle Vito's on Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 in San Francisco, Calif.

The San Francisco Twins, Marian and Vivian Brown pose for a quick picture during their weekly pizza night at Uncle Vito's on Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Mike Kepka, The Chronicle

The San Francisco Twins, Marian and Vivian Brown pose for a quick... Photo-4016690.54989 - seattlepi.com

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The San Francisco Twins, Marian and Vivian Brown pose for a quick picture with a young fan during their weekly pizza night at Uncle Vito's on Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 in San Francisco, Calif.

The San Francisco Twins, Marian and Vivian Brown pose for a quick picture with a young fan during their weekly pizza night at Uncle Vito's on Monday, Sept. 22, 2008 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Mike Kepka, The Chronicle

The San Francisco Twins, Marian and Vivian Brown pose for a quick... Photo-4016691.54989 - seattlepi.com

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Dining alone, one half of the famed San Francisco twins, Marian Brown, 85, looks out the window Uncle Vito's Pizza on Wednesday Aug, 15, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif where she and her sister Vivian have frequented for years. Vivian Brown has fallen ill and has been in the hospital for the past month. "We love each other. I can't wait till she comes back," said Marion Brown. less

Dining alone, one half of the famed San Francisco twins, Marian Brown, 85, looks out the window Uncle Vito's Pizza on Wednesday Aug, 15, 2012 in San Francisco, Calif where she and her sister Vivian have ... more